Mutharikas visit son, former ministers in prison
Former president Peter Mutharika and his spouse Gertrude on Monday visited Maula Prison in Lilongwe to cheer their son Tadikira who has been charged with murder and human trafficking alongside four others.
The former first couple arrived at the prison entrance at 11am and were welcomed by scores of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters who chanted songs in support of their leader.
Inside the prison compound, the Mutharikas met several DPP officials, including members of Parliament (MPs) who also rendered their support. Those present included DPP presidential hopeful and former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor Dalitso Kabambe, DPP vice-president for the Eastern Region Bright Msaka, Mangochi South West MP Shadric Namalomba, Mulanje South West MP George Chaponda, Thyolo Central legislator Ben Phiri, former DPP regional governor in the North Christopher Mzomera Ngwira and Thyolo Thava MP Mary Navicha.
The former president was directed to one of the offices at the prison where he and the former first lady waited to meet their son.
Dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black trousers, Tadikira looked composed and people cheered him on as he walked into the room to meet his parents.
The former first couple later met former ministers during the DPP administration, namely Uladi Mussa and Henry Mussa being held at the same prison. Uladi is serving a sentence while Henry Mussa is awaiting sentencing after his recent conviction for abuse of office and theft by public servant.
The former president refused to grant an interview to journalists who waited outside the office where he met his step son, Henry Mussa and Uladi Mussa, saying: “No, I am not speaking to the media.”
There was an arrangement that the former president would address the DPP supporters away from the prison gates, but that, too did not happen due to rains.
Tadikira handed himself over to police last week upon learning that he was wanted in connection with the death of 30 people, believed to be Ethiopians, found in a mass grave in Mtangatanga Forest in Mzimba.
He has since been charged with murder and human trafficking alongside David Luhanga, Thomas Gidson, Samuel Navaya and Duncan Kalulu.
The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court has since committed their case to the High Court of Malawi in Mzuzu where a bail application will be made this week.
